A double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled study on the influence of carbohydrate solution intake during labour.

OBJECTIVE

Although there has been much debate on whether women should be allowed to eat and drink during labour, little scientific data are available on the effects of caloric intake on the course of labour.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled.

SETTING

Leyenburg Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.

POPULATION

Two hundred and one consecutive nulliparous women, pregnant of a single fetus in cephalic presentation.

METHODS

All women were included in early labour (2cm-4cm of cervical dilatation) and were allowed to drink at will.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The duration of labour, the need for augmentation and pain medication and the incidence of abdominal and vaginal instrumental deliveries.

RESULTS

Drinking of carbohydrate solutions was well tolerated, but did not show any beneficial effects regarding labour outcome when compared with the control group. In the carbohydrate group, a higher caesarean section rate was observed (RR 2.9, 95% CI 1.29-6.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Women in the carbohydrate group had worse labour outcome. It is unclear whether a statistical coincidence, a negative effect of the carbohydrate intake or an incorrect carbohydrate intake strategy is responsible for these results. Further studies are necessary before any definite conclusion can be drawn.